Celebrating Disability Employment Awareness Month

Message from Dow Constantine, King County Executive

Each October, King County celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the many contributions that people with disabilities make to our community. 

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation,” and it highlights the importance of people with disabilities to a diverse, inclusive, and thriving American workforce. Every person must have the opportunity to fulfill their potential and fully participate in everything that our region has to offer. Every person must have the opportunity to share their unique abilities. That’s how we will all succeed. Read more.

Indigenous Peoples' Day is Monday, Oct. 10

Starting this year, King County government will observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a new annual paid holiday on the second Monday in October, which falls on Oct. 10 in 2022.

This new holiday provides an opportunity for us to deepen our knowledge about our nation’s history and the institutionalized practices and policies that continue to harm Indigenous people today. It will also help us further our understanding of Indigenous heritage and culture, and the many ongoing contributions of Indigenous people in our region. Look for opportunities to learn more about the heritage and contributions of Indigenous people this month and into November.

All offices will reopen Tuesday, Oct. 11. On Oct. 10, most Metro Transit buses will operate on Sunday schedules. If you have questions about your holiday schedule, please speak to your supervisor.

Disability Rights Washington's Week Without Driving Challenge

The annual Disability Rights Washington's Week Without Driving Challenge was recently held across the state, and numerous King County employees, Councilmembers, and residents participated in the event.

The challenge encourages those who normally drive to spend a full week using alternative modes of transportation to experience what it's like for non-drivers to access our community, especially those with disabilities. Read more and watch the video.

Celebrating customer service and those who provide it

Oct. 3-7 is National Customer Service Week and an opportunity to recognize the importance of customer service and the employees who provide it. A new training, Customer Service Fundamentals, is now available in NEOGOV for employees who want to develop their customer-service skills.

Customer service is fundamental to our True North: Making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. Residents often turn to King County because they have nowhere else to go. Thanks to our customer-facing employees for helping King County residents access the services they need.

Employee Giving Program Virtual Nonprofit Expo Series

The 2022 Employee Giving Program is underway and the Virtual Nonprofit Expo Series begins on Wednesday, Oct. 5. Join the Employee Giving Program via Teams to learn about nonprofits engaged in the work you care about. 

Wednesday's event will cover a variety of animal-related organizations, including the Seattle Aquarium, Pet Partners, Project Canine, and Seattle Area Feline Rescue.

These weekly expos will run every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon, through Nov.16. Read more.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month special event is Oct. 11

In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, all King County employees are invited to attend a virtual celebration featuring remarks by King County’s Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer, Anita Whitfield and Leo Flor, Director of the Department of Community and Human Services. This event is sponsored by the King County Disability Equity Network. 

• Tuesday, Oct. 11 from 1 to 2 p.m. Join via Zoom. Meeting ID: 891 3324 7228

No advance registration required. ASL interpreters and closed captioning will be provided. For support with other reasonable accommodation needs, please email disabilityequity@kingcounty.gov.

Professional Development Scholarship Information Sessions

The first application period for the Coalition Labor Agreement Professional Development Scholarship Program opens Jan. 9, 2023, but it is recommended to have information for your application materials prepared well ahead of time.

Career Support Services is hosting information sessions for the Coalition Labor Agreement’s Professional Development Scholarship throughout October.

These sessions will go over key items for a strong application and answer any questions you may have about this career-boosting opportunity. Multiple dates and times are available.

• Thursday, Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. Register here.
• Wednesday, Oct. 12 at noon. Register here. 

The completion of an Individual Development Plan is not required to apply for this scholarship, but it is strongly recommended. Read more.

Upcoming Mindfulness Classes

Balanced You partners with Mindfulness Northwest to offer King County employees free virtual mindfulness classes. Mindfulness is a practice that can help you quiet your mind, find focus, and reduce some of the stress many of us experience. Register for an upcoming class below or view the full fall 2022 schedule here.

Mindful Communication 1: Recognizing the Inner Life. When we communicate mindfully, every interaction is fresh with opportunity and open to discovery. Mindful Communication helps us break down the complex process of communication, increase awareness of what's really going on, and bring greater clarity and kindness to our interactions. Become more aware of the inner life of you and your communication partners and how that affects the effectiveness of communication.

• Friday, Oct. 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. Register here.

Mindful Relationships. How do we cultivate the feelings of safety, security, and well-being we need to feel connected? Mindfulness can help. We feel it, and neuroscience proves it: human beings need connection to thrive in all relationships – at home, at work, and in the world. By bringing mindfulness to our interactions, we can enrich all our relationships through the cultivation of safety, security, and well-being.

• Wednesday, Oct. 12 from noon to 2 p.m. Register here.

Featured Job: Behavioral Health Performance Measurement and Evaluation Manager